Jackson
Pathfinders September Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting was held on Thursday, September 19, 2002, at 8:00 PM in the Jackson Public Works Building on Don Connor Boulevard. Karen Borga, Recording Secretary, presided. Members and guests present were Karen Borga, Recording Secretary, Bill Tuohy, Leo Kissling, Jr., Ronnie Bruchez, Sam Wimmer, Heidi Sunday, Kim Fordney, Dawn & Candace Senatore, Ray Umhoefer, Kevin Schweer, Jill Manion, Elaine Manion and Bernadette Gill.
The August minutes were circulated and approved with corrections.
Treasurer, Tom Stevens (absent) reported $140.00 was spent for Pathfinders brochures leaving a balance of $3440.31. Requests pending township approval are as follows: $400.00 education assistance, $450.00 digital camera, $180.00 two way radios, $750.00 commercial lawn mower and $300.00 weed whacker.
Corresponding Secretary, Sarah Ralston was absent. No letters were written last month. A letter from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation was circulated.
Jackson Day: Bernadette Gill discussed the parade route and explained the particulars concerning the horses for the parade. Sam Wimmer explained to the group the best place to park the horse trailer and a meeting time and place of 11:30 am at the Holman School was decided. Bernadette reviewed the volunteer schedule for the information booth with the group
Grants: Dawn Rakow (absent) reports no activity.
Mapping: Tom Stevens (absent) reports no activity.
NJCF Frank Applegate Road Nature Trail / Boy Scouts Projects: Leo Kissling reported that Anthony Marano is waiting for the bridge permit for the wet area below Bernadette's valley. Frank Peterson is planning a trail widening project and waiting for Boy Scout Council approval. Ryan Schulein completed the boardwalk area and made minor improvements to Ronnie's bridge. Leo circulated some photos of Ryan's boardwalk amongst the group. Karen Borga volunteered to make up a certificate of appreciation for Ryan's court of honor ceremony. Leo also circulated photos of the trash he picked up at the trail. Karen Borga volunteered to e-mail Lisa MacCollum requesting more NO HUNTING signs be posted. Leo improved the log crossing past Bernadette's valley and reported the crossing is now strong enough to support a wheelbarrow. The next trail work day was decided for Sunday, October 13th -- 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Kim and Dawn volunteered to move piles of woodchips farther back on the trail.
Biking: Ron Bruchez circulated copies of the flyer he made up for the upcoming bike ride planned for October 19th. Ron explained that he is available Saturday, October 12th for a training ride and to help anyone who would like to check over their bicycle before the October 19th ride.
Membership: Dawn Rakow (absent) reports no activity last month.
Land Acquisition: Karen Borga reported no activity last month.
Wildlife Preservation: Tony Santa Maria was absent but submitted the following report: A 3rd and final bench has been constructed and installed at the wildlife viewing area. I would like to thank Leo for acquiring the telephone pole sections required for this task. I spent 6 hours working on the area on Sunday, Sept. 15th. I completed the cedar tree garden fence and rotor tilled the interior plot of the garden site. Manure and topsoil will be added before the winter and planting will begin in early spring. I would also like to thank Tom for bringing me nourishment during my marathon construction drive. I would like to encircle the garden with large rocks in order to prevent the "long awaited" woodchips from falling into the garden and also in order to attract reptiles. Anyone with access to such rocks, should feel free to lend assistance and bring them to the site or contact me and I will arrange to pick them up. The acquisition of feed for the feeders has yet to be resolved and I would like the committee to come to an agreement as to where and how we will purchase it. Now is the time, winter is upon us. Go to the wildlife viewing area and see for yourselves; the area is truly remarkable and only needs the finishing touches of rocks, woodchips, and feed for the feeders. Please jump on the bandwagon and bring this project to fruition.
Scrapbook: Lauren and Alison Stevens (absent) reports no additions.
Forest Resource Education Center/Bowman Road: Karen Walzer (absent) reports that the Fall Festival at the FREC is coming up Saturday, October 5, 10:00am - 3:00pm. Volunteers are needed for Pathfinders information table, lead groups on hikes and also to assist Tony Santa Maria with owl house construction. There is a new trail completed at the FREC looping through a wetlands area to the sugar maple trees and also two more under construction, one along the river and one going to the other side of Don Connor.
The next monthly meeting will be held October 17, 2002 at 8:00PM in the Jackson Public Works Building.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM. Submitted by Karen Borga.